| Subject: Re: Comfort Zone |
Author:
Aaron
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Date Posted: 18:52:07 01/01/11 Sat
In reply to:
J.
's message, "Comfort Zone" on 13:58:55 12/29/10 Wed
It's good to see in your post that you reference clay, sand, playdough, paints.... I typically work with children that have a diagnosis somewhere on the autistic spectrum, but there are some others that have a diagnosis of dyslexia. With the dyslexic children, I've found that they learn (or at least learn quicker) when some sort of sensory input is associated with their lesson.
For example, you could quiz your student on real and nonsense words like 'deb, bed, ped, dib, bid, pob, dop', etc. Using the most troublesome letters that are flipped and flopped to become something else, thereby confusing the word (dep instead of bed). But, instead of having the child just sitting and writing at a desk, have a motion and some sort of sensory input involved. You, as the teacher, could say a word, the student repeats the word, then segments the word and spells out each letter on a mirror with shaving cream on it. Or maybe in a small sandbox. This way the student hears the word twice, segments the word down to individual letters and sees and feels the letter as they make the letter in whatever medium you've chosen.
Another twist on this that I've used is sidewalk chalk outside on a nice day and make the letters BIG. Instead of segmenting the words, you give the sounds, (d - e - b) and the student repeats and then blends them to make the word deb. The student has to bend over and mark out the letters large on the ground, giving them proprioception and vestibular input. By 'large, I have them make a full arm arc for letters like C and G. They'll be about 3 feet tall. Both of these exercises may have to be started with a max assist or hand over hand approach.
'Happy Mom' is so correct when she says to think out of the box. Teachers and instructors have to take time to come up with a plan well before your student shows. It has to be fairly quick so the student won't get bored or frustrated with the exercise. Also, good for you for keeping them active before they have to attend to the task of 'exercising their minds'. It seems like schools keep cutting the ever important recess time. Without recess, how are kids supposed to get the proprioception that they crave that helps organize their thoughts and bodies?
Sorry, I'm probably preaching to the chior. I just wanted to put in a kudos for 'Happy Mom' and got on a roll of sorts. I feel like the norm, still today, is that the children with learning disabilities get left behind. Keep up the good work, fight for your kiddos.
Aaron
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